Caffè Vergnano, the historic Italian coffee company, has taken another decisive step in its international expansion with the opening of its first Accademia Vergnano in Switzerland, located within the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). This marks a new milestone in the partnership between the Turin-based brand and EHL, first launched in 2024, to foster the culture of authentic Italian coffee among future leaders of the hospitality industry.
The new academy aims to be a true center of excellence dedicated to coffee and hospitality, the first of its kind outside Italy. It combines EHL’s academic expertise with Caffè Vergnano’s know-how, bringing the philosophy of the original Chieri Academy into an international context.
“I am truly proud of this achievement,” said Carolina Vergnano, CEO of Caffè Vergnano. “Today, the Accademia Vergnano within EHL becomes a reality and marks an important milestone in our growth journey. It’s not just a place to drink coffee, but a home for ideas, training, and connections — where our 140 years of history will continue to inspire innovation and shape hospitality professionals. The spirit of our Chieri Academy now moves to a new country, to help a new generation combine tradition and innovation.”
The initiative is supported by Coca-Cola HBC, Caffè Vergnano’s international distribution partner, and designed as a multifunctional space combining café, training center, and boutique. It serves as a meeting point for students, professionals, and coffee experts. Training programs will span the entire coffee supply chain — from sourcing and roasting to sensory analysis and extraction — blending theory and practice with a focus on quality and sustainability.
Markus Venzin, CEO of EHL, emphasized the academic value of the new center: “Accademia Vergnano enriches our educational offer in the field of coffee. It combines solid scientific foundations with practical application, reflecting our commitment to preparing students for future leadership roles through hands-on experiences. Coffee is a symbol of hospitality and excellence — a central part of our curriculum.”
From Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland, Alain Mettler, Coffee Business Manager and former EHL student, added: “The Academy creates a space where expertise is at the core. It allows us to contribute to the professionalization of the coffee market and foster the exchange between education and practice. For our clients, it represents a new dimension of quality and consistency.”
Switzerland’s strong coffee culture provides fertile ground for the initiative. The country’s average consumption exceeds eight kilograms per person annually, equivalent to about three cups per day — among the highest levels in the world. The new academy is therefore a natural and strategic development, positioning Caffè Vergnano and EHL at the forefront of hospitality education.
With this project, EHL, Caffè Vergnano, and Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland set new standards of quality and training for the next generation of hospitality professionals.